I’m having trouble figuring out what MS stats or biostats programs to apply to.
I’m a 4th year statistics at one of the mid-tier UCs (UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis). I started off as a bio major, but wasn’t too great at memorization. I had some personal issues the first two years of undergrad, so my GPA was in the low 3.0 and sometimes 2.9x. I managed to get my act together and get the help I needed, and changed my major to BS in stats, and my GPA started rising. From junior year until now, my GPA improved a lot, and I’ve finished the past 2 quarters with 4.0s, taking all technicals and research. I also managed to land a summer internship related to biostatistics at a big pharma company. My upperdiv major GPA is now >3.5.
I was wondering what masters programs I would have a decent shot at? I read a lot online that most masters programs really only consider you if you have over a 3.7. From what ranking range on the U.S. News rankings for stats grad programs would I have a reasonable chance to get in? (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/statistics-rankings) I already know it is probably near impossible for me to get into top 10. Grad school applications are expensive, so I’m trying to get a good idea of what schools to apply to.
Some classes I’ve taken: several machine learning classes, sampling methods, design of experiments, nonparametric regression courses, etc.
When you read things online, consider the source and how sensible the advice seems. I’m not sure where you read that “most master’s programs only consider you if you have over a 3.7,” but that’s not true. A 3.7 is a high cutoff even for a PhD program, much less a master’s program, and there are lots of master’s programs who consider most applicants with a 3.0+ (especially depending on the rest of their application).
Unless you see a cutoff on the program’s website, assume there is none.
I’d build your list not based only on the rankings from U.S. News, but also on your interests and what you want to learn more about. Almost all statistics programs are going to have basic classes in most of those areas, but you may find that some programs/universities have more strengths in machine learning and data science; some may have more coursework and research into nonparametric methods (especially if they have a strong biostatistics concentration); some may have more of a research design emphasis (where you can find classes on sampling and design of experiments). So hit the list and start investigating each program’s specialties, faculty, concentrations, course catalogs, etc.
I wouldn’t rule out the top statistics programs. You didn’t say what your cumulative GPA is (I’m guessing somewhere in the 3.0-3.3 range?) but if your statistics major GPA is 3.5+ you’re in a good spot. You’ll also have done a biostatistics summer internship. Are you doing any research or anything else that may contribute to your application? Think about those things, too - they matter!
Thank you for your advice! They were very very helpful!
I’m doing spatial research, so that includes a lot of math/stats concepts. I’m also doing research under another professor in the statistics department. Since I’m a senior, my last year is kind of focused on research and projects.
Would you also recommend reaching out to professors prior to applying to the school? I heard for at least PhD programs, some people were able to reach out to professors they were interested in working with before applying, which helped them get into the program if the professor was willing to take them in.
Thank you again!